San Francisco 49ers' Terrell Owens Setting NFL Receptions Record During Jerry Rice's Final Home Game Was Before Its Time

By Ronnie Hampston

Getty Images

The NFL record for single-game receptions that Terrell Owens held is no longer a record, but let’s take a trip down memory lane to look back at a memorable performance. On the day that Hall of Famer Jerry Rice played his last home game as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, the spotlight was stolen by a then young vibrant wide receiver in Terrell Owens.

In the game against the Chicago Bears, Owens had 20 receptions to go along with 283 yards. Looking back at this game Owens was already entering his prime as a player, and it solidified him as one of the top wideouts in the NFL. That season Owens had his best statistical year of his career, finishing with 97 receptions, 1,451 yards and 13 touchdowns. Despite teaming up with Rice that season, it was clear that Owens was the top receiver on the team.

The last game of the season was dedicated to Rice as the 49ers knew that he would no longer be playing for them after giving them sixteen seasons of blood, sweat and tears. Seeing Owens perform in that manner in Rice’s departure was a true changing of the guard.

Owens’ performance was ahead of its time, because in that era it was not as prominent when it came to passing in the NFL as it is today. A lot of people give Owens flak due to his personal issues and me-first persona, but nobody could ever talk bad about him as a player.

No matter what goes on with Owens today, nobody can take away what he did as a player. For those who feel as if Owens wasn’t a great player feel free to check his stats. In the words of Jay-Z: “Men lie, women lie, but numbers don’t”.

Ronnie Hampston is a writer for the San Francisco 49ers on Rantsports.com, Follow him on Twitter @Ron_Hamp, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.